Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

Program Contacts

Tamarah Holmes
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The focus of Virginia’s Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is fostering economic development and improving the quality of life for Appalachian citizens. The ARC provides assistance in the long-term development of a chronically-depressed region, which encompasses 25 counties and eight independent cities in Virginia.

ARC funding is directed to projects that include water and sewer service to communities, workforce training for skilled trades and professionals, regional economic restructuring efforts and heritage and cultural tourism. Other funds seek to build a strong and sustainable asset-based economy, bringing jobs and prosperity to Appalachian communities while preserving their character. Projects which address the leveraging of cultural assets, natural assets, community assets, structural assets and business and economic assets are eligible for funding, as are energy efficiency improvements as a part of an eligible project. The Virginia ARC program may also be available to help with the development of an access road to support the location or expansion of an industry.

Virginia ARC Program

2019 Oak Ridge Summer Program

Virginia's Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will be offering scholarships to two high school students, two middle school students and two high school math, science or technology teachers to attend a residential hands-on learning institute focusing on math, science, and technology.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to provide a two-week learning institute focusing on math, science, and technology for high school students and teachers from July 6-19, 2019. A one-week residential hands-on science academy focusing on math, science, and technology for middle school students will be held on July 13-19, 2019.

The scholarship includes all major expenses, including meals, lodging and transportation to and from the participant's home, and local transportation will be covered for all participants. Teacher participants will also receive a stipend.

ARC POWER

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative is a congressionally funded initiative that targets federal resources to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing economics of America's energy production.

POWER supports efforts to create a more vibrant economic future for coal-impacted communities by cultivating economic diversity, enhancing job training and re-employment opportunities, creating jobs in existing or new industries, and attracting new sources of investment.